Evaluating the Effect of Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Containing Pistachio Hull Extract on the Healing of Experimental Achilles Tendon Injury in Rat

Injury and degeneration of tendons can be highly debilitating and can result in substantial pain, disability, and healthcare costs. Nano-sized fibers have a much wider surface area than conventionally produced fibers, which can hold composite materials more compactly and thus provide greater mechanical capabilities. In this study, the injured tendon was treated by electrospun PVA mats containing Pistachio Hull Extract (PHE) and histopathological results of healing were evaluated. After preparing the pistachio hull extract, electrospun PVA/PHE nanofibrous mats were fabricated using the electrospinning method. The morphological and structural properties of the fabricated mats were characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. ۴۵ male Wistar rats were prepared and a partial thickness tenotomy was created on right hindlimbs. All rats were divided into three groups (n=۱۵) and three sub-groups (n=۵) including, PVA/PHE nanofibers, PVA nanofibers, and without any treatment as a control group. Histological samples were taken on days ۱۴, ۲۸, and ۴۲. Statistical analysis was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis using the SPSS software. The histological analysis on days ۱۴, ۲۸ and ۴۲ indicated significant difference was observed between PVA/PHE and two other groups. While no significant difference was observed between the PVA and the control groups. In summary, these results suggest that the pistachio hull extract-loaded nanofibers mats promoted the healing process of damaged Achilles tendon in rats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pistachio hull ، Electrospinning ، Achilles ، Rat.